DEFINING PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Pathology is the science of studying the areas and systems infected or affected by disease or injury. Physiology is the study of the mechanism of systems of organs and organisms. This makes pathophysiology the study of mechanisms of organs and organisms when they are affected by a disease or injury.
Pathophysiology is a detailed study of disease-ridden functions of an organism. This study is only possible when we already have adequate knowledge of these system’s functions in a healthy and normal state. Though pathophysiology, we come to learn how systems react to the appearance of abnormality in them. And the study of systems going back to balance form it is a diseased state also teaches the new and unknown physiological characteristics of that particular system.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PATHOLOGY AND PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Pathology and pathophysiology are different disciplines; it is important to understand the differences between these fields. Pathology deals with the diagnosis, cause, and nature of the disease, and it is a purely medical branch of science. On the other hand, pathophysiology deals with the abnormal or off the balance functions of the systems because of diseases. It is a biological discipline and is not always related to the medical field but also for research purposes and a better understanding of the physiology of those systems. Pathophysiology studies the normal for different organisms through experimentation and taking measurements; calculations determine the levels of different compounds of the whole body. According to this recorded data is a diagnosis given. However, in pathology, the patient affected is directly observed, and tests are run, and symptoms identified to conclude what disease they are suffering from. Pathology requires the microscopic examination of the tissues of organs of the infected body. While in pathophysiology, the levels of biochemical compounds are compared to the levels that are perceived to be normal. Hence is What Is Pathophysiology, it the science of knowing how to deal with diseased systems and working to manage them through medicine and external stimuli.
HOW KNOWING PATHOPHYSIOLOGY HELPS YOU DEAL WITH THE DISEASED SYSTEMS BETTER
Knowing the pathophysiology is necessary for people in the medical field. This field helps in taking care of patients suffering from chronic diseases. Knowing the pathophysiology will assist the caretaker in reducing the symptoms of the disease and improve the quality of life of the patient.
Parkinson’s Disease
This is a neurological disorder that results from the increased loss of dopamine in the brain; the death of dopaminergic neurons is the cause. Why this neural death happens, the researchers are not completely sure, but they think the following reasons have a close relation to this neural degeneration. On is the development of Lewy bodies in the brain, these cause dementia, because the displace the brain cells from their place hence disrupting the consistency of the neural structure. The second reason is a slow degeneration of the cells and slows down of regeneration of cells. Another reason is the breakdown of the brain and blood vessel barrier, meaning the blood vessels start to leak in the brain, causing degeneration and disruption in the neural activity. Though the symptoms of Parkinson’s are curable but understanding its pathophysiology has helped the medical field develop methods to slow down its progression. Deep brain stimulation therapy, neuron-protective treatment, etc. Most of all, the medical practitioner can ready the patient his caretakers about the future progression and deterioration caused by it, preparing them in advance and readying them mentally to deal with it.
Heart failure:
It is one of the most commonly heard about diseases. The causes of eventual heart failure are decreased in the efficacy of heart muscles because of damage or continuous stress. The number one cause of heart failure is hypertension because of which force of contraction to pump blood increases, causing stress on the heart. Another possible reason for heart failure is a mitochondrial infraction, meaning the heart tissue is starved of oxygen and start to die. Amyloidosis is the process in which proteins are deposited on the heart muscles causing it to stiffen. There are many other causes of eventual heart failure too. But these causes over the time change the physiology. Through the pathophysiology of the heart, we learn how the system has been affected and what are the things we can do to slow down the degeneration.
SUMMATION
Pathophysiology of any disease is important to know for the caretakers. Because of this knowledge, they will know how to deal with symptoms and understand why they are happening. Also, through the understanding of pathophysiology, the trajectory of the disease can be predicted and dealt with in advance. This discipline does not only help you get the medical treatment you need but also teaches how we can adjust our daily routine per our disease. For example, people suffering from kidney failure are asked to avoid foods high in protein as it worsens the existing condition. People suffering from heart failure are told to avoid foods rich in fats and cholesterol. Knowing pathophysiology helps you deal with the disease more progressively and permanently instead of just getting with the momentary relief or a temporary fix.
Throughout the year, our writers feature fresh, in-depth, and relevant information for our audience of 40,000+ healthcare leaders and professionals. As a healthcare business publication, we cover and cherish our relationship with the entire health care industry including administrators, nurses, physicians, physical therapists, pharmacists, and more. We cover a broad spectrum from hospitals to medical offices to outpatient services to eye surgery centers to university settings. We focus on rehabilitation, nursing homes, home care, hospice as well as men’s health, women’s heath, and pediatrics.
